U.S. patent application number 10/290090 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-13 for adjuster and bracket assembly.
Invention is credited to Burton, John.
Application Number | 20040090780 10/290090 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32228989 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040090780 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burton, John |
May 13, 2004 |
Adjuster and bracket assembly
Abstract
A lamp assembly that may be used as a fog lamp or headlamp
includes a mounting bracket, a reflector, and an adjuster. The
reflector is pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket and the
adjuster is secured to the reflector. The adjuster is also secured
to the mounting bracket such that rotation of an aiming screw
forming part of the adjuster causes pivoting of the reflector and
aiming of the lamp. The bracket and adjuster are provided in
pre-assembled fashion such that the lamp may be easily attached
thereto.
Inventors: |
Burton, John; (Ludington,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Brian G. Gilpin
Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.
780 North Water Street
Milwaukee
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
32228989 |
Appl. No.: |
10/290090 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/273 ;
362/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q 1/0683
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/273 ;
362/428 |
International
Class: |
F21V 021/26 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An adjuster and bracket assembly comprising: a mounting bracket
shaped to pivotably engage a reflector; and an adjuster positioned
between the mounting bracket and the reflector such that rotation
of an aiming screw within the adjuster causes pivoting of the
reflector within the mounting bracket.
2. A lamp assembly comprising: a mounting bracket; a lamp pivotably
engaged within the mounting bracket; and an adjuster positioned
between the mounting bracket and the lamp such that rotation of an
aiming screw within the adjuster causes pivoting of the lamp within
the mounting bracket.
3. A lamp assembly comprising: a mounting bracket; a reflector
having a lens sealed thereto pivotably secured to the mounting
bracket; and an adjuster disposed between the mounting bracket and
the reflector such that rotation of an aiming screw within the
adjuster causes pivoting of the reflector within the mounting
bracket.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to adjusters and brackets,
and in particular to a combination adjuster and bracket assembly
for use in connection with sealed-beam reflector style lamps but is
not limited to sealed reflectors.
[0002] Sealed-beam style reflector lamp assemblies used as vehicle
headlights or fog lights typically comprise several basic parts: a
mounting bracket, a sealed-beam lamp (generally including a
reflector sealed to a lens with a bulb therein), and at least one
adjuster. The mounting bracket is secured to the vehicle and the
lamp is pivotably attached thereto so as to allow the aim of the
lamp to be adjusted using the adjuster. The mounting bracket and
adjuster are typically separately supplied to the manufacturer of
the lamp which assembles the components together and provides a
completed lamp assembly to the automobile manufacturer.
[0003] Conventionally, adjusters are supplied by a subcontractor to
the company producing the completed sealed-beam reflector lamp
assembly, typically the manufacturer of the lamp. The manufacturer
of the lamp attaches the adjuster components to the mounting
bracket and to the reflector so as to create a completed lamp
assembly. Because of the multiple steps required to assemble the
completed lamp assembly using conventional adjusters, the adjusters
are supplied to the lamp manufacturer in their component parts
which are installed to the lamp and the bracket. Once assembly is
completed, the lamp assembly is shipped to the automobile
manufacturer for installation to the vehicle. Thus, in order to
facilitate assembly of the complete lamp assembly, it is desirable
to provide a single pre-assembled bracket and adjuster sub-assembly
to the company producing the completed lamp assembly.
[0004] Additionally, there are several drawbacks to conventional
adjuster and bracket designs used in sealed-beam lamp assemblies.
First, the installation of conventional adjusters requires multiple
steps at the time of installation to the mounting bracket and lamp
including using the adjuster to pre-aim the reflector within the
bracket so that little to no adjustment is needed once the lamp
assembly is installed into the vehicle. Second, the use of
conventional adjusters requires the lamp manufacturer to separately
stock the multiple parts required to complete the assembly and
installation of the adjuster. Finally, the fin that extends from
the back side of the reflector to engage the adjuster often
requires a hole perpendicular to molding die draw and a thick wall
which both adds tooling expense and may create difficulties in the
molding of optically correct lamps.
[0005] Accordingly, a need exists for an adjuster and bracket
assembly design that is more efficiently assembled by the lamp
manufacturer, eliminates pre-aiming of the reflector, reduces
tooling expenses and molding difficulties, is provided to the final
lamp manufacturer as a single piece, and is cost-effective. The
present invention relates to a combination adjuster and bracket for
automotive lamps and to solutions to some of the problems raised or
not solved by existing adjusters and brackets. Of course, the
present invention may be used in connection with fog lamps and
regular headlamps and may also have application in a multitude of
non-automotive lamp assemblies where similar performance
capabilities are required. The present invention may also be used
on internally movable reflector lamps (such as the one disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,136, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference) by including the bracket features disclosed
herein inside the lamp housing and providing access to the adjuster
through a covered access port or protruding the aiming screw head
through a sealed hole in the housing. Additionally, the invention
may be adapted to provide two adjusters on a single bracket so as
to allow adjustment in both vertical and horizontal directions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides an adjuster and bracket
assembly that is cost-effective, easily mated to a lamp, and is
adaptable for use in connection with various types of lamps. One
embodiment of the invention includes a mounting bracket that is
mountable to a vehicle. A lamp including a reflector, bulb, and
lens is pivotably attached to the mounting bracket using posts
molded into the reflector that snap-fit into the mounting bracket.
An adjuster is provided between the reflector and the mounting
bracket such that rotation of an aiming screw forming part of the
adjuster causes pivoting of the reflector. A number of different
adjusters and methods for causing the pivoting may be used. The
pivoting of the lamp adjusts the aim of the reflector. The bracket
may be oriented within the vehicle so as to allow manipulation of
the adjuster and adjustment of the aim of the lamp from the rear of
the lamp assembly from the top, bottom, or side thereof.
[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, a mounting
bracket, lamp, and adjuster are also provided. In this embodiment,
the adjuster is oriented so as to allow manipulation of the
adjuster and aim of the lamp from the front (or lens side) of the
lamp. If desired for aesthetics or aerodynamics, access to the
adjuster may be provided through the lens and/or reflector of the
lamp.
[0008] One possible application of the present invention is in
automotive lamp assemblies, in particular headlamps and fog lamps,
but many other applications are possible and references to use in
an automotive headlamp assembly should not be deemed to limit the
uses of the present invention. While certain embodiments are
discussed herein, they should not be interpreted as being the only
embodiments of the present invention and other embodiments, such as
the use of two adjusters to allow dual-axis pivoting, may be
created without departing from the present invention. These and
other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description, claims, and accompanying
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a mounting bracket,
lamp, and adjuster in accordance with one embodiment of the
assembly;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1,
shown without the lamp;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of the assembly shown in
FIG. 2, showing the adjuster attached to the mounting bracket;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the lamp of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the mounting bracket
of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 6 is detailed perspective view of the screw grommet
portion of the adjuster shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 6A is a detail perspective view of one alternative
embodiment of the screw grommet portion of the adjuster;
[0016] FIG. 6B is a detail perspective view of the screw grommet of
FIG. 6, shown mounted to a correspondingly-shaped rail;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view of the aiming screw
portion of the adjuster shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a mounting bracket,
lamp, and adjuster in accordance with another embodiment of the
assembly;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 8,
shown without the lamp;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a detail perspective view of the assembly shown
in FIG. 9, showing the adjuster attached to the mounting
bracket
[0021] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the lamp of FIG.
8;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the mounting bracket
of FIG. 8;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of the screw grommet
portion of the adjuster shown in FIG. 8;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of the aiming screw
portion of the adjuster shown in FIG. 8;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a mounting bracket,
lamp, and adjuster in accordance with another embodiment of the
assembly;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a side elevation of the assembly of FIG. 15,
shown without the lamp;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the assembly of FIG. 15, shown
without the lamp;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a front elevation of the assembly of FIG. 15,
shown without the lamp;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a mounting bracket,
lamp, and adjuster in accordance with another embodiment of the
assembly;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the assembly of FIG.
19, shown without the lamp;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a mounting bracket,
lamp, and adjuster in accordance with another embodiment of the
assembly; and
[0032] FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the assembly of FIG.
21, shown without the lamp.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of an adjuster and bracket
assembly (identified generally as 30) in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention, shown attached to a lamp 32.
The adjuster and bracket assembly 30 includes a mounting bracket 34
that may be mounted to a vehicle (not shown) using threaded
mounting studs 36 (see, e.g., FIG. 8) or other means known in the
industry. The lamp 32 (shown independently in FIG. 4) including a
reflector 38, bulb 40 (rear of which shown), and lens 42 is
pivotably attached to the mounting bracket 34 using posts 44 molded
into the reflector 38 that snap-fit into arms 46 extending from the
mounting bracket 34. The lamp 32 is free to pivot about an axis
between the posts 44. An adjuster (identified generally as 48) is
provided between the lamp 32 and the mounting bracket 34 such that
rotation of an aiming screw 50 (shown independently in FIG. 7)
forming part of the adjuster 48 causes pivoting of the lamp 32. The
pivoting of the lamp 32 adjusts the aim of the lamp 32.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, and in more detail in FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and
7, the adjuster 48 includes a number of parts. The adjuster 48
includes an aiming screw 50 that has a threaded portion 52, a head
54, and at least one positioning and securement ridge 56. The
embodiment of the aiming screw 50 shown in FIGS. 1-3, and 7 has two
positioning and securement ridges 56. The positioning and
securement ridges 56 help journal the aiming screw 50 within the
mounting bracket 34. As an alternative, the head 54 can be used to
help journal the aiming screw 50 in the mounting bracket 34 and
other alternative designs that help journal the aiming screw 50
within the mounting bracket 34 are possible without departing from
the invention. The head 54 of the aiming screw 50 has a
driver-receiving recess 58 that can be adapted to accommodate a
variety of drivers (a phillips-head driver-receiving recess 58 is
shown). The threaded portion 52 of the aiming screw 50 is extended
along at least a portion of the length of the aiming screw 50. The
threaded portion 52 is threaded into a screw boss 60 (shown in
detail in FIG. 6) that has a tab 61 engaged with a V-shaped slot 63
in a fin 62 extending from the reflector 38 of the lamp 32. Because
the screw boss 60 is threaded to the threaded portion 52 of the
aiming screw 50, rotation of the aiming screw 50 causes movement of
the screw boss 60 along the axis of the aiming screw 50,
corresponding movement of the reflector 38, and pivoting and aiming
of the lamp 32. In order to allow for the change in angular
orientation of the aiming screw 50 with respect to the lamp 32 when
aim adjustment occurs, the screw boss 60 is in pivotable engagement
with the fin 61 of the reflector 38 of the lamp 32.
[0035] The mounting bracket 34 (shown independently in FIG. 5) may
be formed in a variety of shapes such that it is capable of acting
as an effective platform for mounting the lamp 32 and adjuster 48.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the mounting bracket 34 has a
generally square shape with two arms 46 extending therefrom to
engage the posts 44 of the reflector 38. Of course, other shapes
could be used for the mounting bracket 34. In this embodiment, the
mounting bracket 34 further includes a T-shaped rail 64 on which
the screw boss 60 rides to, along with the journaling provided by
the positioning and securement ridges 56, maintain the positioning
of the aiming screw 50. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6B, the
mounting bracket 34 can include an L-shaped rail 65. The mounting
bracket 34 further includes an adjuster bracket 68, which positions
the adjuster 48 within the mounting bracket 34.
[0036] As shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 6, the screw boss 60 has a
T-shaped slide 66 in which the T-shaped rail 64 of the mounting
bracket 34 is engaged. Of course, other configurations could be
used for the screw boss 60, T-shaped slide 66, and T-shaped rail 64
without departing from the invention. One alternative configuration
is the L-shaped rail 65 and L-shaped slide 67 shown in FIGS. 6A and
6B.
[0037] The adjuster and bracket assembly 30 may be oriented within
the vehicle so as to allow manipulation of the adjuster 48 and
adjustment of the aim of the lamp 32 from the rear of the adjuster
and bracket assembly 30 from the top, bottom, or side thereof. The
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 reflects an orientation of the adjuster
and bracket assembly 30 such that the aim of the lamp 32 may be
accomplished from the top thereof.
[0038] In assembling the adjuster and bracket assembly 30 reflected
in FIGS. 1-7, the positioning and securement ridge 56 of the aiming
screw 50 is first fit into a slot 74 the adjuster bracket 68
portion of the mounting bracket 34 that allows the aiming screw 50
to rotate put prevents axial movement. The screw boss 60 then
slides over a guide rail, such as the T-shaped rail 64 or the
L-shaped rail 65, until it reaches the threaded portion 52 of the
aiming screw 50. The aiming screw 50 is then rotated until the
screw boss 60 is engaged thereon and positioned for mating to the
reflector 38 such that the lamp 32 will be properly aimed when
assembled. If an L-shaped slide 67 is used in the screw boss 60 and
an L-shaped rail 65 is provided on the mounting bracket 34, the
screw boss 60 can first be threaded to the aiming screw 50 before
connection to the mounting bracket 34. In this assembly sequence,
the assembled aiming screw 50 and screw boss 60 combination are
then installed to the mounting bracket 34 prior to attaching the
lamp 32. The completed adjuster and bracket assembly 30 is then
ready for the attachment of the reflector 38. The installer of the
reflector 38 snap-fits the posts 44 extending from the reflector 38
into the arms 46 extending from the mounting bracket 34, thereby
simultaneously mating the U-shaped slot 63 in the fin 62 extending
from the reflector 38 with the tab 61 extending from the screw boss
60. Once the reflector 38 is installed, both the aiming screw 50
and the screw boss 60 are fully captioned within the mounting
bracket 34. The lamp assembly is then complete, pre-aimed, and
ready to be installed to a vehicle.
[0039] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 8-14. This embodiment has a configuration somewhat similar to
that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7 and the primary
differences between the embodiments are described below. Of course,
features used in each embodiment could be configured to be used in
connection with the other embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in
this embodiment, the mounting bracket 34 also includes an adjuster
bracket 68 used to position the adjuster 48. However, in this
embodiment, the screw boss 60 does not include a T-shaped slide 66
or an L-shaped slide 67 (see FIGS. 10 and 13) and the mounting
bracket 34 does not include a T-shaped rail 64 or an L-shaped rail
65 (see FIGS. 8 and 10). Rather, as best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, in
this embodiment, the aiming screw 50 is journaled on both ends
within the adjuster bracket 68. The head 54 of the aiming screw 50
and a positioning and securement ridge 56 in combination journal
the head 54 of the aiming screw 50 within the adjuster bracket 68
of the mounting bracket 34 and the end 72 of the aiming screw 50 is
journaled in a slot or hole 74 in the adjuster bracket 68. As best
seen in FIGS. 8, 9, 11, and 13, rather than using the tab 61 from
the previously described embodiment, the screw boss 60 used in this
embodiment includes engagement channels 76 with which a U-shaped
slot 70 in the fin 62 is engaged. This embodiment is operated in
the same fashion as the previously described embodiment in that
because the screw boss 60 is threaded to the threaded portion 52 of
the aiming screw 50, rotation of the aiming screw 50 causes
movement of the screw boss 60 along the axis of the aiming screw
50, corresponding movement of the reflector 38, and pivoting and
aiming of the lamp 32. In order to allow for the change in angular
orientation of the aiming screw 50 with respect to the reflector 38
when aim adjustment occurs, the screw boss 60 is in pivotable
engagement with the fin 62 of the reflector 38 of the lamp 32.
[0040] In assembling the embodiment of the adjuster and bracket
assembly 30 reflected in FIGS. 8-14, the aiming screw 50 is rotated
until the screw boss 60 is threaded thereon and positioned for
mating to the reflector 38 after the adjuster 48 has been attached
to the mounting bracket 34. The aiming screw 50 is then snap-fit
into the adjuster bracket 68 portion of the mounting bracket 34
such that the end 72 of the aiming screw 50 is positioned in the
slot 74 in the adjuster bracket and the head 54 and the positioning
and securement ridge 56 journal the aiming screw 50 in the adjuster
bracket 68. The completed adjuster and bracket assembly 30 is then
ready for the attachment of the reflector 38. The installer of the
reflector 38 snap-fits the posts 44 extending from the reflector 38
into the arms 46 extending from the mounting bracket 34, thereby
simultaneously mating the U-shaped slot 70 in the fin 62 extending
from the reflector 38 with the engagement channels 76 of the screw
boss 60. The lamp assembly is then complete and ready to be
installed to a vehicle.
[0041] In another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS.
15-18, a mounting bracket 34, lamp 32, and adjuster 48 are also
provided. In this embodiment, the adjuster 48 is oriented so as to
allow manipulation of the adjuster 48 and aim of the lamp 32 from
the front (or lens 42 side) of the lamp 32 or from the rear using
the drive 75 at the opposite end of the aiming screw 50. In this
embodiment, the adjuster and bracket assembly 30 includes a
mounting bracket 34 that may be mounted to a vehicle using threaded
mounting studs 36 or other means known in the industry. The lamp 32
including reflector 38, bulb 40, and lens 42, is pivotably attached
to the mounting bracket 34 using posts 44 molded into the reflector
38 that snap-fit into arms 46 extending from the mounting bracket
34. As in the previously described embodiments, an adjuster 48 is
provided between the mounting bracket 34 and the reflector 38.
However, in this embodiment, the head 54 of the adjuster 48 is
journaled by the reflector 38 of the lamp 32 and the screw boss 60
is pivotably secured to the mounting bracket 34. As shown in FIG.
15, the head 54 of the adjuster 48 is snap-fit into a
head-retaining brace 78 in the reflector 38. Alternatively, the
head 54 of the adjuster 48 may be secured to the reflector 38 or
the lens 42 as described below with respect to the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 19-22. The screw boss 60 has mounting tabs 80 that
are snap-fit into a mount 82 extending from the mounting bracket 34
so as to allow the screw boss 60 to pivot within the mount 82. The
aiming screw 50 of the adjuster 48 is threaded into the screw boss
60 such that rotation of the aiming screw 50 causes movement of the
screw boss 60 along the axis of the aiming screw 50. As the screw
boss 60 is retained in the mounting bracket 34, such axial movement
causes pivoting of the reflector 38 and adjustment of the aim of
the lamp 32. In order to allow for the change in angular
orientation of the aiming screw 50 with respect to the mounting
bracket 34 when aim adjustment occurs, the screw boss 60 is
pivotable with respect to the mounting bracket 34.
[0042] In assembling the embodiment of the adjuster and bracket
assembly 30 reflected in FIGS. 15-18, the aiming screw 50 is
rotated until the screw boss 60 is threaded thereon and positioned
for mating to the mounting bracket 34. The mounting tabs 80 of the
screw boss 60 are then snap-fits into the mount 82 extending from
the mounting bracket. The completed adjuster and bracket assembly
30 is then ready for the attachment of the lamp 32. The installer
of the lamp 32 snap-fits the posts 44 extending from the reflector
38 into the arms 46 extending from the mounting bracket 34, and
then the head 54 of the adjuster 48 is snap-fit into a
head-retaining brace 78 in the reflector 38 of the lamp 32. (If the
head 54 of the adjuster 48 is secured to the reflector 38 or the
lens 42 as described below with respect to the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 19-22, the connection between the head 54 and the reflector
38 or lens 42 is made simultaneously with the mating of the
reflector 38 to the mounting bracket 34.) The lamp assembly is then
complete and ready to be installed to a vehicle.
[0043] In additional embodiments of the invention, shown in FIGS.
19-22, a mounting bracket 34, lamp 32, and adjuster 48 are also
provided. In this embodiment, the adjuster 48 is oriented so as to
allow manipulation of the adjuster 48 and aim of the lamp 32 from
the front (or lens 42 side) of the lamp 32. In this embodiment, the
adjuster and bracket assembly 30 includes a mounting bracket 34
that may be mounted to a vehicle using threaded mounting studs 36
(not shown, see FIG. 8) or other means known in the industry. The
lamp 32 including reflector 38, bulb 40 (not shown), and lens 42,
is pivotably attached to the mounting bracket 34 using posts 44
molded into the reflector 38 that snap-fit into arms 46 extending
from the mounting bracket 34. As in the previously described
embodiments, an adjuster 48 is provided between the mounting
bracket 34 and the lamp 32. In this embodiment, as in the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-18, the head 54 of the adjuster 48 is
journaled by the reflector 38 (FIGS. 19 and 20) or the lens 42
(FIGS. 21 and 22) of the lamp 32. This journaling is accomplished
using a pivot cap 86 placed over the head 54 of the aiming screw 50
that snap-fits into the head-retaining brace 78 that extends from
the reflector 38 (FIG. 19) or snap-fits into the backside of the
lens 42 (FIG. 21). However, in this embodiment, rather than using a
screw boss 60, an internally threaded arm 84 that extends from the
mounting bracket 34 is provided. The threaded portion 52 of the
aiming screw 50 is threaded into the arm 84 forming internal
threads therein (or the arm 84 may be pre-threaded) such that
rotation of the aiming screw 50 causes axial movement of the of the
aiming screw 50 with respect to the internally threaded arm 84. As
the head 54 of the aiming screw 50 is retained in the reflector 38
or lens 42, such axial movement causes pivoting and adjustment of
the lamp 32. In order to allow for the change in angular
orientation of the aiming screw 50 with respect to the mounting
bracket 34 when aim adjustment occurs, the arm 84 extends from the
mounting bracket 34 using one or more flexible struts 88.
[0044] In assembling the embodiment of the adjuster and bracket
assembly 30 reflected in FIGS. 19-22, the aiming screw 50 is
threaded into the internally threaded arm 84 extending from the
mounting bracket until the head 54 of the adjuster 48 is positioned
for mating to the frame 38 or lens 42 of the lamp 32. The completed
adjuster and bracket assembly 30 is then ready for the attachment
of the lamp 32. The installer of the lamp 32 snap-fits the posts 44
extending from the reflector 38 into the arms 46 extending from the
mounting bracket 34, simultaneously snap fitting the pivot cap 86
over the head 54 of the aiming screw 50 into the head-retaining
brace 78 or into the backside of the lens 42. The lamp assembly is
then complete and ready to be installed to a vehicle.
[0045] The adjuster and bracket of the present invention may have
other applications aside from use in a automotive lamp assemblies
and the invention may be implemented in a variety of
configurations, using certain features or aspects of the several
embodiments described herein and others known in the art. Thus,
although the invention has been herein shown and described in what
is perceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it
is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be
limited to the specific features and embodiments set forth above.
Rather, it is recognized that modifications may be made by one of
skill in the art of the invention without departing from the spirit
or intent of the invention and, therefore, the invention is to be
taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter
of the claims.
* * * * *